Travelling abroad with children and babies

Parenthood is a journey that people navigate and adapt to in different ways. It is one of the most surreal and life-changing experiences, and with that change comes a shift in priorities and lifestyle. 

A common misconception of parenthood is that travelling will come to a halt when a baby is born, or at least until the baby becomes older. Although more planning is essential – an extensive to-do list at the ready – there’s no reason parents can’t travel. 

Parents across the world take their babies abroad, whether that be for work, special occasions, or a well-deserved retreat. We’re looking at mothers doing just that, including helpful tips and a truthful account from mother of two, Sarah Robinson.

In the spotlight

With a modelling career spanning over a decade, Amy Neville aka amynevfashiondiaries, has done campaigns, billboards, and photoshoots with numerous brands. A career choice that goes hand in hand with travelling, Amy is flown to locations for photoshoots across the globe. 

Amy shares her career and lifestyle online to give followers an insight into her world and continued to do so when her daughter Harper was born. Harper makes a frequent appearance on Amy’s Instagram as the mother and daughter travel together. 

A post of Amy and Harper at the beach in Dubai is captioned: 

‘I definitely thought before becoming a mum my life would change in the way that I wouldn’t be travelling & working but it hasn’t, YES, it’s so hard still trying to do everything I used to, but I feel proud that I am doing what I can to make that happen.’

Honest advice  

Mother of two, Sarah Robinson, and her now-husband David decided to take their first-born daughter Poppy abroad when she was 6 months old.

“Initially I was nervous for the flight but not nervous for the actual holiday itself,” she explains. A mutual feeling among mothers who wonder how to keep a baby occupied for so long in such a confined space. A worry of Sarah’s that was soon eased when other children on the flight also got upset.

The parents are no strangers to travelling, with an extensive list of long-haul destinations such as Las Vegas, where David proposed, under their belts. Sarah admits that their first family holiday to Palma Nova was “very different from the usual pre-child holiday.” At an age when sitting still is the last thing a baby wants to do, the couple switched from sunbathing to walking up and down the beach with Poppy. 

Noticeable differences on the holiday itinerary aside, Sarah explains that she is “glad we took Poppy away and made those memories together.” Her advice to anyone planning a family holiday:

1. “Make lots of lists of what you need.” 
2. “Use Instagram or Google to look at other parent’s recommendations.”
3. “Choose a hotel where children can be occupied with activities and children’s pools.” 

Now a family of four after the birth of daughter Rosie in December, the family has a trip booked to Tenerife in June. Even though this holiday will involve keeping a three-year-old and a 6-month-old happy, Sarah feels “more prepared this time around.”

Armed with activities, toys, and experience – Sarah is here to say that any parent considering a holiday “should go for it!” 

“The children will have their moments, but would you rather have their moments abroad in the sun or at home?” she laughs. 

Recommended read

Family Traveller magazine is a curation of inspiration and advice for families who want to travel with babies, children, or teenagers. It is a how-to guide full of destination recommendations and relevant features. 

Secure a copy here.